c) Suppose the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9s, and has a top speed of 195 mph. Imagine a mile-long race between two of these cars, with the same finish line, but with a different starting line: One drives along the ground towards the starting line at a point one-mile away, while the other is dropped out of a plane one mile above the ground. Which one reaches the finish line first? (ignore any air resistance for the falling car).

That is the entire problem. I just need help getting started.

First, what does the vm represent in the speed equation?
Second, how exactly do I calculate the top speed?

I also suppose that I will need the position and acceleration equations which I derived from speed equation for b and c respectively.

I figured that's what it stood for I seem to have a habit of jumping to conclusions like that early on in the problem and confuse my self because I get determined to make that scenario be the case (right or wrong.)

So part a is understood. Part b would be the distance equation setting t=∞?

See what I mean? Get ahead of myself and flustered and try to make a certain scenario fit. Then for part c I am given acceleration, the time for that acceleration, and top speed. Plug and chug then. Very helpful Al.